Following Mitch Marner’s departure, Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs prospect eyes NHL roster opportunity

With Mitch Marner now officially a member of the Vegas Golden Knights, the door has opened for top Auston Matthews‘ Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan. The 20-year-old forward, who has dominated at the junior level, is preparing to transition into a full-time NHL role, and Marner’s absence may be the catalyst he needs.

Cowan, who won back-to-back Memorial Cup championships with the London Knights, was open about the impact Marner had on his development, but emphasized that the focus is now on his own opportunity. Speaking to the Toronto Sun, the 2024 and 2025 Memorial Cup MVP shared his perspective on the roster change.

“He meant a lot to me,” Cowan said, “You know, happy for him. Opportunities open up for other players. But yeah, super happy for him.”

From junior success to NHL goals

Marner and Cowan share a notable connection, both having led the London Knights to national junior titles while earning MVP honors. After Cowan earned the distinction in 2024, Marner congratulated him via text. Cowan followed it up by leading the Knights to a second straight championship in 2025, reinforcing his reputation as one of the Maple Leafs’ most promising young forwards.

Now, Cowan is hoping to leverage that junior success into a roster spot with Toronto. While expectations are high, the young winger remains focused on daily progress and performance in camp.

“I have the chance to get a job, and that’s up to me to go out there and show what I can do and play my game,” he said. “Still a couple months away, so I’m going to take every day to keep getting better. I’m just worried about myself.”

An opening, but not a guarantee

Marner’s exit frees up significant ice time and salary cap space, but Cowan understands that opportunity alone does not guarantee an NHL role. He will need to earn his spot during training camp and prove that his game can translate at the pro level.

The Maple Leafs remain high on Cowan’s upside, and with a roster in transition following the departure of one of its cornerstone players, the timing may finally be right for the London, Ontario native to step forward.